VCR

User???s Guide

Changing Entertainment. Again.

VR708HF

Important Information

Product Registration

Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning the card allows us to contact you if needed.

Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in case you need them. The numbers are located on the back of the VCR.

Model No._______________________________________________________________________________________VR708HF

Serial No. _______________________________________________________________________________________

Purchase Date:___________________________________________________________________________________

Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________

i

Introduction

Key Features Overview

Your VCR is equipped with features that will add to your recording and viewing experience. The following information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 4 provides more information about the rest of the VCR???s features and how to use them.

Press REC to set length

VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are registered trademarks of the Gemstar Development Corporation. The VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under the license from Gemstar Development Corporation.

COMMERCIAL ADVANCE and MOVIE ADVANCE are registered trademarks of SRT, Inc.; a Jerry Iggulden invention licensed in association with Arthur D. Little Enterprises.

1

Introduction

2

3

Table of Contents

4

Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Chapter Overview:

???Things to Consider Before Connecting

???Choosing Your Connection

???Making Connections

???Navigating On-Screen Menus

???Completing the QuickSet??? Guide

???Basic Recording

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Connections & Setup

Things to Consider Before Connecting Components

Protect Components From Power Surges

???Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet.

???Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables.

Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference

???Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.

???Place any Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the side(s) of the TV???s back panel instead of straight down the back after connecting components.

???Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from all A/V cables as much as possible.

???Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet packed with your unit for detailed information.

Protect Components From Overheating

???Never block ventilation slots in any component. Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely.

???Do not stack components.

???Allow adequate ventilation when placing components in a stand.

???Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top shelf of a stand so heated air rising from it will not flow around other components.

Cable Considerations

The RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR carries both sound and picture information. This is the cable used in all connection diagrams illustrated in this chapter.

If your TV has A/V input jacks, you should use A/V cables (not supplied) to connect the VCR to the TV. A/V cables provide better picture and sound quality than an RF coaxial cable. If you would like to hook up your VCR using A/V cables, refer to the Advanced Connection information on page 60 in the Other Information chapter of the manual.

Connections & Setup

Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the

VCR to a TV

This graphic shows the RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR. This will be the cable used for the basic connections represented in this chapter.

Notes: To hear stereo sound, you will need to purchase Audio/Video (A/V) RF Coaxial Cablecables (not provided) and connect the VCR to the TV. A/V jacks and cables

also provide a superior image and sound quality. For details about using this advanced setup, see the instructions on page 60.

Using A/V jacks to connect the VCR to the TV requires tuning to the TV???s Video Line Input to see the VCR???s picture. For more information about finding your TV???s Video Line Input, see page 59.

If you prefer, we can provide you with the name of an Authorized Service Representative who will visit your home for a fee to install your electronic entertainment system and to instruct you in its operation. For details about this service, call 1-888-206-3359.

Choose Your Connection

There are several ways to hook up your VCR depending on the components connected. Please use the following chart to determine which connection is best for you and proceed to the appropriate page.

Connections & Setup

Go To Page 11

Connections & Setup

TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver

Note: Your television and/or satellite receiver back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here.

1.Connect the VCR to the TV

Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV???s antenna input jack.

2.Connect satellite receiver to the VCR

Connect one end of an RF coaxial cable (not included) to the antenna output jack on the satellite receiver and the other end to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.

3.Connect the antenna to your satellite receiver

If necessary, connect an antenna or cable box RF coaxial cable (not included) to the antenna input jack on the satellite receiver.

4.Connect the satellite feed to the satellite receiver

Connect the satellite receiver???s RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the satellite input jack on the satellite receiver.

Go To Page 11

Connections & Setup

TV + VCR + Cable Box

Note: Your television and/or cable box back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here.

1.Connect the VCR to the TV

Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV???s antenna input jack.

2.Connect the cable box to the VCR

Connect one end of a second RF coaxial cable (not included) to the cable box???s TV output jack and the other end to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.

3.Connect the cable feed to your cable box

Connect the RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the antenna input jack on the cable box.

Go To Page 11

Connections & Setup

Set the VCR???s CH 3/4 Switch

The CH 3/4 switch on back of the VCR determines what channel the TV must be tuned to see the VCR???s image. Choose whichever channel is not used locally in your area.

Note: If you connected components using A/V jacks and cables, the VCR???s signal must be viewed using the TV???s Video Line Input. To find the Video Line Input, refer to the manual that came with the TV or see How to Find Your TV???s Video Line Input on page 59 in the Other Information section of this manual.

Plug in the VCR

Your VCR???s power cord has a plastic band strung through the blades. Remove the plastic band before plugging the cord into the power outlet. To remove the band, cut with a pair of scissors and pull it free of the blades. Once the plastic is removed, match the wide blade of the power cord to the wide slot in the AC outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely.

Put Batteries in the Remote Control

1.Remove the battery compartment cover on the remote control.

2. Insert new batteries matching the polarities (+ and ???) on the batteries with the diagram in the battery compartment.

3.Put the battery compartment cover back on the remote.

Turn on the TV and VCR

Turn on the TV and press the VCR button on the remote control to turn it on.

Note: If you have an RCA, GE, or Proscan TV, your VCR???s remote control may be able to operate it without being programmed. Press the TV button on the remote control and then the ON???OFF button. If neither one turns on the TV, see Using the Remote Control starting on page 27 for details about programming the remote control to operate other brands of TVs.

Tune the TV

Tune the TV to the VCR-viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is channel 3, 4, or the TV???s video line input.

???If you connect your VCR using RF coaxial cable only, turn the TV to channel 3 or 4 (whichever was set on the CH 3/4 switch).

???If you connected the VCR using A/V jacks and cables, select the TV???s video line input. For more information see How to Find the TV???s Video Line Input on page 59 in the Other Information section of this manual.

Connections & Setup

Using the Remote Control to

Navigate On-Screen Menus

The technical term is ???Navigation??? ??? how you move through the on-screen menus. The theory is the same for all the menu screens: highlight your choice and select it.

To highlight a menu item, press the remote control???s arrow buttons to move the highlight cursor to a desired menu item. Use the up or down arrow button to move up or down, and right or left arrow buttons to move right or left.

To select the item that you???ve highlighted, press OK.

Note: Selecting a menu item can take you to another menu, activate a choice, or activate a data entry area (such as the hour field in the Set Time menu).

Connections & Setup

VCR Basics

Once your initial settings are complete, you can begin using your VCR. In order to begin, you must first understand some basic concepts.

Playing a Tape

1.Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (03, 04, or the video line input).

2.Insert a tape in the VCR.

If the Auto Play feature is set to ON, the tape automatically begins playback

Chapter 2

Using the VCR???s

Menu System

Chapter Overview:

???Using On-Screen Menus

???Satellite Receiver Setup

???Cable Box Setup

???Setting Time and Date

???Setting VCR Preferences

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Using On-Screen Menus

Using On-Screen Menus to Set Up Features

You set up many of the VCR???s features by using the menu system as discussed in the previous chapter. Each feature that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in this section as well as a few other features you should set up to get the most out of your VCR.

Note: Not all the VCR screens are shown in this manual when explaining how to access features.

Press MENU to continue

Using On-Screen Menus

6.Turn on your satellite receiver and tune it to channel 100 and then press the MENU button. Follow the on-screen directions.

Please turn on your SAT Receiver and tune it to channel 100.

Press MENU to continue

Once you have completed the setup, the VCR confirms the satellite receiver setup is completed.

Satellite Receiver Codes

Note: This VCR may not control all models of the brands shown.

Using On-Screen Menus

Cable Box Setup

This setup applies only when all channels are received through a cable box. In this case, the VCR will automatically enter the channel used to view cable box programming. Your VCR will use this channel for all future timer recordings.

This VCR may not control all models of the brands that are shown.

Using On-Screen Menus

VCR Channels List

Your VCR may come with a list of channels preset at the factory. Even though it may come with such a list, you might want to add or delete certain channels.

Note: If you use a cable box to view all channels, this step is not necessary.

Auto Channel Searching

Notes: Use Auto Channel Search to place all available channels in memory.

If you ever change cable or antenna signals, you may need to run the Auto Channel Search feature again.

Using On-Screen Menus

Adding or Removing Channels

You might want to add or remove channels after using Auto Channel Search, especially if there are weak signals or channels with content you don???t care for.

1.Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2.Press 4 to choose CHANNELS.

3.Press 2 to choose ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS. To go to the channel you want to add or remove, use the remote control???s CHANNEL + or ??? buttons or enter a specific channel number using the number buttons.

Once the desired channel is displayed, the on-screen menu will tell you if the channel is currently in the VCR???s viewing list. Press the CLEAR button to remove a channel from the available channels list or press the INFO button to add it.

4.Press the MENU button to exit out of the menus.

Note: To view active channels, use the remote control???s CHANNEL + and ??? buttons. You can also access channels not available in the active channel list by using the remote control???s number buttons to enter a specific channel number.

Time and Date

Your VCR gives you two ways to set the time and date; manually or by using the Auto Clock Set feature. Using Auto Clock Set enables the time to be updated each time the VCR is turned off by using time and date information carried in certain broadcast signals (not available in all areas).

Auto Clock Set Feature

The Auto Clock Set feature is set to ON by default at the factory. In the ON setting, the VCR looks for a channel carrying time data and updates the clock automatically. In order for Auto Clock Set to work properly though, you should complete the interactive Setup (Number 5 in the VCR Main Menu), including entering your Zip Code.

To Complete the Interactive Setup:

1.Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2.Press 5 to choose Setup.

3.Follow the on-screen instructions until the setup process is complete.

Notes: Auto Clock Set is available only in limited areas. You must set available channels for Auto Clock Set to work.

If the time does not automatically set after trying for ten minutes, manually set the time and date information using the TIME menu (see the next page for information on manually setting time and date information).

Using On-Screen Menus

Using On-Screen Menus

Using On-Screen Menus

Using On-Screen Menus

EnergySaver

By default, the VCR automatically turns off after two hours of inactivity. This can be changed in the PREFERENCES menu by pressing the 4 button repeatedly to change the time delay or to disable the feature altogether.

???Select OFF and the VCR will stay on until you shut it off.

???Select 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00, and the VCR will turn off after one, two, or three hours of inactivity.

Thirty seconds before automatically shutting off, the VCR displays an on-screen message reading, The VCR will turn off in 30 seconds. Press any key to cancel. Pressing any remote control or VCR front panel button will halt the countdown.

If you use the VCR???s tuner instead of your TV to view channels, you may want to turn off this feature.

Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display)

You can change the brightness level of the VCR???s front panel display. In the PREFERENCES menu, press the 5 button repeatedly to toggle between options:

???AUTO the display brightens when the VCR is on and dims when the VCR is off.

???BRIGHT the display is bright whether the VCR is on or off.

???DIM the display is dimmed whether the VCR is on or off.

Using On-Screen Menus

Chapter 3

Using the

Remote Control

Chapter Overview:

???Buttons on the Remote Control

???Programming the Remote Control

???Operating Other Components

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Using the Remote Control

Using the Remote Control

VCR Function Buttons

ANTENNA Toggles the picture signal between the VCR???s receiver and the standard antenna/cable system. The VCR indicator in the front panel display turns on when viewing the VCR receiver???s image.

Arrow Buttons () Moves the on-screen menu highlight, and enters data such as letters or numbers in certain menus.

CH + and ??? Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR???s channel list.

CLEAR Resets the time counter to 0:00:00. Also clears on-screen menu item entries when setting the time and date or timer recordings.

EDIT Simultaneously pauses and unpauses two connected VCRs when copying a tape from one VCR to another.

FORWARD Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stop in stop mode. This button also searches forward if pressed during playback. During play-pause mode, this button starts slow-motion advance and each press of the button during slow-motion advance increases the speed incrementally.

FR. ADV (Frame Advance) Advances a tape one frame at a time during play- pause mode.

GO BACK Switches between the current and previous channels.

INFO Shows the status displays on screen of the VCR, TV, DVD player, etc. (whichever component is set as the remote control???s active device).

INPUT Selects between the Video Line Inputs and the VCR???s tuner. Video Line Input refers to the signal coming from the component connected to audio/video input jacks on the back or front of the VCR (L1 designates the back panel A/V jacks and L2 designates the front panel A/V jacks).

MENU Displays the VCR???s on-screen menu system.

Number buttons (0 through 9) Selects channels up to 99 by pressing two number buttons. Selects 3-digit channels by pressing and holding 1 until 1 ??? ??? appears on screen. Then press the other two numbers.

OK In on-screen menus, this button acts as an Enter button (used in conjunction with the remote control???s arrow buttons). This button selects the highlighted on- screen menu choice.

ON???OFF When the remote control is set to operate the VCR, this button turns on or off the unit???s power. To be in VCR-control mode, press the proper component button on the remote control first (either VCR1 or VCR2).

PAUSE Pauses playback or recording modes. Press PAUSE again to return to active playback or recording.

PLAY Plays a tape.

RECORD Starts record mode on tapes with the safety tab intact. Pressed repeatedly to set a recording duration for the Express Recording feature.

REVERSE Rewinds the tape when the VCR is in stop mode. Searches backward through a tape during playback mode. Starts slow motion playback during play- pause mode with each press of the button decreasing the slow-motion speed.

Using the Remote Control

SEARCH Displays the MOVIE ADVANCE screen for prerecorded movies. When pressed repeatedly, this button also displays Index and Zero Search menus on screen. During playback mode, pressing SEARCH starts COMMERCIAL ADVANCE skipping.

SPEED Overrides the default recording speed (either SP or SLP).

STOP Stops the current VCR function (record, playback, rewind, etc).

TRACKING ??? and + Allows for manual reduction of streaks that may appear in the picture during playback mode. Reduces picture ???jitter??? during play-pause mode.

TV Function Buttons

CH + and ??? Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR???s channel list.

CLEAR Removes menus or status displays from the TV screen.

GO BACK Switches between the current and previous channels.

GUIDE Displays channel guide on some RCA, GE, and Proscan TV???s.

INFO Shows the TV???s status displays on screen.

MUTE Reduces the TV???s volume to a minimum level.

Number buttons (0 through 9) Selects channels up to 99 by pressing two number buttons. Selects 3-digit channels by pressing and holding 1 until 1 ??? ??? appears on screen. Then press the other two numbers.

ON???OFF Turns the TV on and off if the remote control???s TV button has been pressed first.

VOL < and > Raises and lowers your television???s volume.

Using the INPUT Button

Use the INPUT button to toggle through the available Video Line Input sources (L1, L2) and regular broadcast signals. Video Line Input allows you to view the image from an external device (like a camcorder) connected to the VCR using A/V jacks and cables.

1.Press the remote control???s VCR1 or VCR2 button (whichever is set to operate your VCR) to enter VCR-operating mode. Make sure that the VCR is turned ON.

2.Press the remote control???s INPUT button to tune to the Video Line Input source (L1 designates the rear A/V jacks and L2 the front A/V jacks).

3.To tune back to the broadcast signal you were previously watching through the VCR, press the INPUT button again.

Using the Remote Control

Operating a TV with the VCR???s Remote Control

The remote control that came with your VCR can be programmed to operate most brands of remote-controllable TVs, VCRs, satellite receivers, cable boxes, and DVD Players. This remote control should already control most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs without any programming.

Do You Need to Program the Remote Control?

To determine whether the remote control needs to be programmed to operate your TV, turn the TV on, point the VCR???s remote control at it, then press the remote control???s TV button (this puts the remote control into TV-operating mode and should automatically turn off most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs). Press the remote control???s ON???OFF button to see if the TV responds to the command. If not, the remote control needs to be programmed to operate that model TV.

Programming the Remote Control

To program your remote control, you must use the TV Codes list on the next page. Look up the brand name of your TV and the code(s) that brand uses.

Notes: This remote control may not operate all models of the brands shown in the code list.

Note the difference between the TV and VCR on-screen displays to know which component the remote control is operating.

1.Turn on the TV.

2.Find your TV brand and code number(s) in the code list on the next page.

3.Press and hold the TV button on the remote control.

4.Enter the code number from the code list using the remote control???s number buttons.

5.Release the TV button, then press the CHAN up or down button.

???If the TV responds to the remote control???s command, the remote is programmed.

???If the TV does not respond to the command, repeat these steps using the next code listed for your TV???s brand.

Operating the TV

After you set up the remote control, see which buttons operate your TV:

1.Point the remote control at the TV, and press the TV button. If the TV does not turn on/off, press the TV button and then press the ON ???OFF button.

2.You may want to experiment to see which buttons operate your TV. Try pressing buttons, such as VOL and MUTE. See the button descriptions in this chapter for details about what each remote control button does.

Using the Remote Control

Chapter 4

Using the VCR???s Features

Chapter Overview:

???Recording

???Express Recording (XPR)

???Timer Recordings

???Using the VCR Plus+ System

???Copying and Editing Tapes

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VCR Features

Recording Features

Your VCR provides many ways to capture programming:

1.Recording Press one button to record a program from the current VCR channel.

2.Express Recording (XPR) Allows recording to start while a program is being watched. This feature automatically stops recording after a designated period of time.

3.Timer Recording Program the VCR for a daily, weekly, or one-time recording which will automatically start and stop at the times you set.

4. Timer Recording with the VCR Plus+?? System Program the VCR by entering a PlusCode?? programming number found in most TV program listings.

Express Recording (XPR)

Use XPR to quickly record the remaining portion of a program being watched. XPR is a great way to capture the end of a sporting event that has run into overtime or a live broadcast that runs long.

XPR works in 30-minute increments. You can capture the last 30, 60, 90, etc. minutes of programming (depending on tape length), up to four hours total.

VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are registered trademarks of the Gemstar Development Corporation. The VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under the license from Gemstar Development Corporation.

VCR Features

VCR Features

VCR Plus+ GOLD Programming System

The VCR Plus+ GOLD programming system makes timer recordings easier by automatically setting and updating the clock and channel list for you. During the one-time QuickSet Guide setup, the VCR prompts you to enter your zip code. Soon after, the VCR clock will set itself and overnight, your VCR Plus+ programming system channel list should be input for you.

Time, date, and VCR Plus+ system information are downloaded from participating TV stations over your antenna or cable system. The time and date are updated each time the VCR is turned off (and after every power interruption). So, when your TV stations or cable company update channel lineups, your VCR will get the most current channel list automatically, freeing you from having to manually change the channel list.

If your VCR Plus+ GOLD system fails to download the proper information for any reason, you can always manually map the channels. If you keep getting prompts about multiple cable services in your area, you can turn off AUTO VCR Plus+ download by choosing 2 in the VCR Plus+ SETUP menu.

0 Exit

VCR Features

Mapping VCR Plus+ System Channels Manually

Using the VCR Plus+ GOLD programming system can make setting up timer recordings for cable or standard TV easier. If your VCR Plus+ GOLD system setup failed during the interactive Setup, then you will see a prompt on the screen.

(Screen shown is only an example.)

VCR Features

Note: Refer to your local TV program listings for a complete VCR Plus+ channel list for your viewing area or contact your cable company. Using the list may save you some time.

VCR Features

VCR Plus+ System Worksheet

*Check your local or cable listings for the channel number you receive this station on. **Check your local listings for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned.

VCR Features

Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program)

Some TV programs are broadcast with stereo audio or SAP (Second Audio Program). For details about turning on broadcast stereo or SAP, see page 48.

1.Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or the TV???s Video Line Input).

2.Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.

3.If your VCR viewing channel is 3 or 4, make sure the VCR indicator appears in the front display. If not, press the TV???VCR button on the remote control to turn it on.

4.Press the SPEED button on the remote control if you want to override the preferred tape speed setting. The tape speed indicator appears on the TV screen.

5.Select the channel or Video Line Input to be recorded.

6.Set the Reception: STEREO/MONO/SAP feature for the type of audio you want to record.

7.Press RECORD to start recording.

8.Press STOP when finished.

VCR Features

Picture Search Options

The basic way to search during playback is using the remote control???s FORWARD or REVERSE buttons (FWD and REV on the VCR front display panel). This section contains several other options available for searching a tape.

1.Press the FORWARD button to search forward or the REVERSE button to search backwards.

2.Press the FORWARD, REVERSE, or PLAY button to return to normal playback.

Slow Motion

You can view a tape during play or play-pause mode using Slow Motion search.

1.In pause mode, press the FORWARD (FWD) or REVERSE (REV) button to start slow-motion playback.

2.Press the FORWARD button to increase or the REVERSE button to decrease the search speed.

3.Use the TRACKING + or ??? buttons to remove any streaks from the picture.

4.Press the PLAY button to return to normal playback.

The VCR switches automatically from slow-motion playback to stop mode after a few uninterrupted minutes.

Frame Advance

Frame Advance lets you view single-frame action during playback.

1.While playback is in progress, press the remote control???s PAUSE button (PLAY/PAUSE on the VCR) to freeze the action.

2.Press the F. ADV button on the remote control each time you want to view the next frame of the recording.

3.Press the PAUSE or PLAY button on the remote control (PLAY/PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback.

VCR Features

Index Search

The VCR has a VHS Index Search System that automatically records index marks on the tape every time you start a recording. During playback you can locate the program you want to play by the number of index marks or by scanning. The VCR will search forward or reverse from the location you are at on the tape.

VCR Features

??

This feature uses patented technology to detect and mark most commercials on your tape for any recording that is more than 15 minutes long. Once recording is finished, the VCR rewinds the tape to the beginning of the recording and determines where the commercials are located. It then marks the beginning and end of the detected commercial segments, and when finished, returns the tape to the end of the recording. It does not erase commercials from the tape.

During playback, the VCR automatically skips the detected commercial segments, or you can chose to manually skip them. This feature reduces three minutes of commercials to approximately 8-12 seconds of fast forwarding in the SLP speed. You can select a background display of blue or see the video as the commercials are skipped.

Because television signals do not indicate where commercials are located, this feature finds and marks them through a set of formulas based on how television is broadcast today. Since television stations broadcast differently and insert their own commercials, you may experience some variations in this feature???s effectiveness. Station promotions, identifications, and announcements are not considered commercials, but might be skipped. For more information, see ???Questions and Answers About COMMERCIAL ADVANCE ??? in the Reference section.

VCR Features

VCR Features

??

MOVIE ADVANCE helps you locate certain parts of prerecorded movies (rented or purchased). This feature works two ways: 1) you can go to the beginning of the movie, or, 2) you can skip from one preview to the next. MOVIE ADVANCE works only on tapes with the safety tab removed recorded in SP speed.

VCR Features

Pro-Tect Plus??? Locking Feature

To protect set timer recordings and to disable the VCR for use, the unit can be locked so that the buttons on the front panel or remote control won???t work.

???To Lock: Press and hold either the remote control???s ON???OFF or VCR button until the front panel display flashes.

???To Unlock: Press and hold either the remote control???s ON???OFF or VCR button until the front panel display flashes for several seconds. Unlocking is the only way to turn on and use the VCR.

Tracking

Your VCR has automatic tracking which removes streaks and noise from the picture. Automatic tracking is activated when you insert a tape or turn on the VCR. Occasionally you may need to manually adjust tracking, especially if the tape was recorded on a different VCR. Use the TRACKING ???/+ buttons on the VCR front panel or remote control to remove streaks and noise. You can also use tracking when pausing a tape to reduce the noise of the stilled picture.

When manually adjusting the picture, automatic tracking is turned off. To turn automatic tracking back on, eject the tape and reinsert it.

Note: Tracking has no effect when recording??? only during playback.

VCR Features

VCR Features

Chapter 5

Other Information

Chapter Overview:

???Troubleshooting

???Commercial Advance Q&A

???Front, Rear, and Display Panel Diagrams

???Specifications

???Care and Cleaning

???Warranty Information

???Finding the TV???s Video Line Input

???Advanced Connection Diagram

???Glossary

???Index

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Other Information

Troubleshooting Tips

In this section, you will find answers to common recording, playback, and general VCR questions. Consulting with this section first when there is problem may help you answer common questions.

General VCR Problems

No power

???Check to make sure it is plugged into an operating outlet.

???Check to make sure your connections are correct.

VCR does not respond to the remote control

???Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and the remote control.

???The remote control???s batteries may need changing.

???You are not in VCR-controlling mode. Press the remote control???s VCR button to control it.

There???s poor or no picture for normal TV viewing

???Make sure the VCR indicator is off.

???Make sure the TV is switched to an active channel.

???Make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct.

Rewind does not operate

???Check to make sure the tape is not already rewound.

The clock shows an incorrect time or date

???There may have been a power interruption. Reset the VCR???s time and date.

???Make sure the clock is set accurately (check AM/PM and date).

???Check the Daylight-Saving setting. The clock may have adjusted for Daylight-Saving Time.

???Time did not adjust for Daylight-Saving time.

???Check to make sure the Daylight-Saving Time feature is set correctly.

The VCR makes noise when stopped

???The VCR is removing the tape from the playheads. This is normal. The head cylinder inside the VCR will continue to rotate for a few minutes after you put the VCR in the stop mode.

Cannot select channels over 69

???Cable channels over 69 can only be selected if Signal Type: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set to CABLE.

TIMER flashes on the VCR front panel display

???The clock is not set.

???Check to make sure there is a cassette in the VCR when a timer recording is set ad the power is turned off.

On-screen menus appear in English, French, or Spanish

???Check the LANGUAGE feature for the preferred on-screen language.

Other Information

Recording Problems

Will not record

???Make sure there is a recordable tape in the VCR.

???Eject then reinsert the tape.

???Make sure the tape is not broken.

???Make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to normal playback.

???Make sure the Pro-Tect Plus feature is not active.

A VCR Plus+ system or timer recording was not made or the wrong program recorded

???Make sure the correct PlusCode programming number is entered.

???Make sure the program was entered correctly (the wrong channel or times may be entered).

???Make sure the cable box or satellite receiver was turned on when recording was to begin.

???There may have been a power interruption. Reset the time and date.

???Check to see if time and date are correct ??? including AM/PM.

???Make sure the program did not exceed the tape???s length or that the tape was not rewound beforehand.

???Make sure the VCR was turned off at the time recording started.

???Make sure there was a tape in the VCR with its safety tab intact.

???The VCR ejects tapes when the end is reached during a timer recording.

???Make sure the VCR Plus+ system setup was completed correctly.

Will not record

???Make sure the tape???s safety tab is intact.

???Make sure the VCR is not in Video Line Input mode. Press INPUT on the remote control to return to normal viewing.

Playback Problems

Snowy or no picture during playback

???Press the remote control???s TV???VCR button to activate VCR-controlling mode. VCR appears in the front panel display when active.

???Check the TV channel selected (3 or 4) to make sure it matches the channel selected with CH. 3/4 switch on the back of the VCR.

???Check to make sure the TV???s fine tuning is correct for the channel selected.

???If you use A/V cables and jacks to connect the VCR to the TV, check all connections for snug and correct connections.

???Check to make sure the TV monitor is set to Video Line Input (see How to Find Your TV???s Video Line Input in this section of the manual for detailed information).

???Try another tape.

???Some snow/streaks are normal during search, stop action, frame advance, and slow-motion playback.

Other Information

Streaks in picture during normal playback

???Press one of the TRACKING buttons to move streaks up or down for the best picture.

???Check to make sure the tape is of good quality and not worn out.

Time counter not working or time counter not working in search modes

???The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape. When an unrecorded segment of tape is encountered, the time counter will hold its count until recorded material is detected again.

???A minus (???) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther back than a counter reading of 0:00:00.

???The time counter disappears during search; this is normal.

Will not play

???Check to make sure there is a tape in the VCR.

???Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette.

???Check to make sure the tape is not broken.

???Check to make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to normal playback.

???Check the Pro-Tect Plus??? feature.

Will not Auto Channel Search active channels correctly

???Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct.

???Check to make sure the Signal Type: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set correctly.

???If Detect Automatically was selected for the Signal Type in the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu, try using either CABLE TV or ANTENNA instead.

???May not be necessary if using a cable box for all channels. Contact your local cable company for more information.

Tape plays back in slow motion

???Press PLAY to return to normal playback.

Cassette with safety tab removed does not start to play automatically

???Check to make sure the AUTO PLAY ON/OFF feature is set to ON.

Time counter disappears during searching

???This is normal.

There is no stereo sound during playback

???Make sure the Tape Playback feature is set to Hi-Fi to hear stereo sound during playback.

???You must use A/V cables (not provided) and jacks to connect the VCR to the TV (or stereo) to hear true stereo sound during playback.

The stereo Audio is too noisy

???The stereo signal is weak. Set the Reception: STEREO/SAP/MONO to MONO.

???Press either the TRACKING ??? or + button to minimize picture noise.

Other Information

Questions and Answers About

??

Will commercials be scanned through only on playback of recordings?

Yes. The VCR rewinds and marks commercial segments after a recording is finished.

How fast does this feature scan through commercial breaks?

In SLP tape speed, a 3-minute commercial break is scanned through in approximately 8-12 seconds. In SP, it takes about 25-35 seconds.

Are commercials still recorded if I want to watch them?

Yes. The recorded program, including commercials, can be viewed by setting the Playback feature to MANUAL.

What if the VCR scans forward through part of my program?

Press PLAY or STOP while the tape is being automatically skipped. Rewind the tape back to a position before skipping started, then press PLAY. Automatic skipping will start again after the end of the commercial group is detected by the VCR.

Once a recording has been marked, does COMMERCIAL ADVANCE work each time the tape is played?

Yes. If the Playback feature is set to AUTO, the marked commercials should be skipped each time the tape is played in a VCR that has the feature.

After marking commercials, is the tape left at the beginning or end of the recording?

The tape is left at the end of the recording so it is in position to begin additional programmed recordings.

Does the marking process interfere with other programmed recordings?

No. If two or more recordings are programmed together without sufficient time to mark the first recording, marking will take place after all recordings are completed.

What happens if the marking process is interrupted?

Marking can be interrupted to allow use of the VCR. Marking will resume again when the

VCR???s power is turned off as long as the tape has not been ejected from the VCR.

Does COMMERCIAL ADVANCE work in all recording speeds?

Yes, the feature works in SP and SLP.

Will COMMERCIAL ADVANCE marked recordings work in non-Commercial Advance VCRs?

A marked recording will play in a VCR that does not have the feature, but commercials will not automatically be skipped.

Other Information

TV???VCRSTOP???EJECTRECORD

POWER

PLAY

TRACKING

INPUT

Front Panel

AUDIO (LEFT/MONO and RIGHT) and VIDEO Input Jacks Receives signals from another component (like another VCR or camcorder) when connected to the VCR using A/V jacks. Use the INPUT button to select L2 to record from these jacks (L1 indicates the rear panel A/V jacks being active).

CHANNEL TRACKING Up and Down Adjusts the image quality by removing picture ???noise??? and distortion.

FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback. Starts slow motion during play-pause and increases slow-motion speed.

PLAY???PAUSE Plays a tape. Pauses action for viewing during playback. Pauses recording to prevent recording of unwanted scenes.

POWER Turns the VCR on or off.

RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for Express Recording (XPR).

REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture in reverse during playback. Starts slow motion during play-pause and decreases slow-motion speed.

STOP/EJECT A single press of this button stops normal VCR functions such as record, playback, rewind, fast-forward, or pause. If pressed a second time, this button ejects an inserted tape.

TV???VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR or the TV cable/ antenna signal.

Other Information

Display Panel

Time, Channel Number, Line Input Indicator (L1 or L2), Tape Speed Indicator, or Status Indicator

Channel Number or Line Input Indicator The channel number appears when the VCR is tuned to a channel. The line indicator (L1 or L2) appears when the VCR???s line input is selected. Select L1 to record from the back jacks or L2 to record from the front jacks.

Time The current time appears. Only an AM indicator appears with the time. There is no indicator for PM.

Status Indicators Show what the VCR is doing.

???dn & Ld (Down and Load) Front panel display alternates between these two words when time data is being downloaded.

???EJCT (Eject) Cassette ejected

???FF Fast forwarding

???HI VCR turned on and BYE VCR turned off

???PLAY In playback (flashes during play-pause and slow)

???REW Rewinding

???R0:30 Express recording in progress

???SAFE Pro-Tect Plus feature turned on

???SCH and SCH ??? Forward or reverse search

???SP and SLP Tape speed

???STILL Play-pause

???STOP Tape is stopped

Timer Indicator () Lights during an express or timer recording or when the VCR is set for a timer recording and turned off. Flashes when a timer recording is set and there is no tape in the VCR.

VCR Indicator (Applies only if the VCR Viewing Channel is 3 or 4). Press the TV???VCR button to turn on or off.

???VCR indicator on: Picture from VCR.

???VCR indicator off: Picture from TV channel.

Other Information

Back Panel

ANT. IN jack Receives a signal from an antenna or cable system when the VCR is attached with RF cables.

AUDIO (LEFT and RIGHT) and VIDEO IN jacks Receives signals from another component, such as another VCR or camcorder, when connected to these jacks. Use the INPUT button on the VCR or remote control to select the rear video line input A/V jacks (L1) to record from these jacks.

AUDIO (Right and Left) and VIDEO OUT jacks Sends signals from the VCR to another component, like a TV or another VCR, when the other component is connected to these jacks.

CH. 3/4 switch Determines the channel to which the TV must be tuned in order to see the VCR???s picture. Not used when connecting the VCR to the TV using A/V cables.

RF OUT jack Passes the VCR???s signal to a TV using the supplied RF cable.

Other Information

Specifications

*Check your cable company???s compatibility requirements.

Cleaning the VCR

Use a soft cloth or dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to dust your VCR. Remove dust from the ventilation holes on the top, back, sides, and bottom of the VCR and all connected components.

Plastic surfaces are easily scratched and can be marred by alcohol and various solvents. Avoid excessive use of oil-based furniture polishes since the materials used in the cabinet will accumulate more dust. We recommend using a nonabrasive, antistatic cleaner and polisher.

Other Information

RCA VCR Limited Warranty

What your warranty covers:

???Any defect in materials or workmanship.

For how long after your purchase:

???90 days for labor charges.

???One year for parts.

The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.

What we will do:

???Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center the labor charges to repair your VCR.

???Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center for the new or, at our option, refurbished replacement parts required to repair your VCR.

How you get service:

???Take your VCR to any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center. To identify your nearest Authorized RCA VCR Service Center, ask your dealer, look in the Yellow Pages, or call 1-800-336-1900.

???Show the Authorized Service Center Representative your evidence of purchase date or first rental.

???Pick up your VCR when repairs are completed.

What your warranty does not cover:

???Customer instruction. (Your Owner???s Manual clearly describes how to install, adjust, and operate your VCR. Any additional information should be obtained from your dealer.)

???Installation and related adjustments.

???Signal reception problems not caused by your VCR.

???Damage from misuse or neglect.

???Cleaning of video/audio heads.

???Batteries.

???A VCR that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes.

???A VCR purchased or serviced outside the U.S.A.

???Acts of nature, such as but not limited to lightning damage.

Product Registration:

???Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your VCR. It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage.

How State Law relates to warranty:

???This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state.

If you purchased your VCR unit outside the United States:

???This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information.

Service calls which do not involve defective materials or workmanship are not covered by this warranty. Costs of such service calls are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Other Information

Advanced Connection

TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver

??? Using A/V and RF Coaxial Cables

Note: Your satellite receiver and television back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here.

This connection can also be used for a cable box.

3.Connect a TV antenna or cable feed to the satellite receiver

If you have cable or a standard TV antenna, connect its RF coaxial cable (not included) to the antenna input jack on the satellite receiver.

4.Connect the satellite antenna???s cable to the satellite receiver

Connect the satellite antenna???s RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the receiver???s satellite input jack.

Note: To hear stereo output from the satellite receiver, you must use the video line input ???channel.??? RF coaxial cable only carries mono sound.

Other Information

Glossary

A/V Jacks & Cables Commonly called ???RCA-type??? cables. Improves picture and sound quality over RF Coaxial cables. A/V cables are required for stereo audio.

EnergySaver Automatically turns the VCR off after a user-defined period of inactivity.

Express Recording (XPR) A method of timer recording which tapes for a set period of time using 30-minute increments.

Pro-Tect Plus??? Allows the VCR to be disabled so that the front panel and remote control buttons don???t work. Useful for protecting timer recordings.

QuickSet Guide An first-time use, interactive, menu-based system that walks you through several setup steps in a series of questions. The QuickSet Guide is also available in the VCR???s Main Menu.

SAP (Second Audio Program) A second sound track that may be included with a stereo broadcast. Usually used for foreign language dubs of programs.

VCR Channels List The active list of channels available to the VCR using the CHANNEL +/- buttons.

XPR See Express Recording above.

Index

Index